Not hide your passion project

You’ve finally figured out what you want to do with your life — start a company, launch a website, design an app or found a nonprofit. The only problem is that you can’t afford to quit your job in order to pursue it full time. Many people pursue passion projects, but they also tend to hide them. While some colleagues will be skeptical, in most cases, there’s no need to be overly secretive. Being honest about your outside interests and pursuits reduces suspicion, and externally committing to your project increases accountability and ups the ante for you. So when talking to others, frame your project in a way that shows value to your company. Your co-workers can also be allies and offer valuable feedback. That said, if you really don’t think they’ll be supportive, talk with family and friends instead.

(Adapted from Get Your Passion Project Moving Without Quitting Your Day Job, by Rebecca Knight)

Effective coaching with the right approach

Whether people change is largely determined by why they change. And they are most successful at changing when they choose to change. This is where coaching can create problems, because it’s often imposed rather than invited. When we feel something is being imposed on us — even if it’s for our own good — our natural reaction is to resist. So if you’re trying to help someone change, your first consideration must be to approach him in a way that enhances, rather than dampens, motivation. Focus on asking more questions and giving fewer lectures.

(Adapted from You Might Be the Reason Your Employees Aren’t Changing, by Joseph Grenny)

Use sensory cues to win people’s attention

Your success depends on winning people’s attention. If your team doesn’t listen to you, how can you lead effectively? If you can’t get your client’s focus, how will your business survive? Here are three triggers that call people to attention:

• Automaticity. Sensory cues like loud sounds, bright colours and temperature grab our attention automatically. This doesn’t mean you have to shout; instead, think about more subtle ways to use these instincts. For example, try giving a star prospect or client a hot cup of coffee or tea.

• Disruption. We pay attention when something violates our expectations. Try surprising your boss, client or colleague in a positive way. Ask an unexpected question, beat a tough deadline or suggest taking a walk.

• Reward. Incentives we can visualise have a greater impact on our attention. So when you’re offering your team a retreat at the end of a big project, don’t just tell them, show them a picture of the venue.

(Adapted from 7 Ways to Capture Someone’s Attention, by Ben Parr)

Negotiate with the boss

You can negotiate most effectively when the other party respects your judgment. Even if your boss thinks highly of you, you might still have to establish your credibility. This involves emphasizing your trustworthiness and expertise.

• To earn your manager’s trust: Be sincere about why your proposal is worth his consideration. Remind your boss of commitments you’ve previously honoured and the positive results that ensued.

• To establish your expertise: Present your research. Gather as much information as you can about your idea, and summarise it succinctly. Lay out counterarguments to show that you’ve thought about potential objections. Explain how any firsthand experience has shaped your idea, and cite trusted sources. Testimonials from people your boss respects will go a long way.

(Adapted from Managing Up, from the 20-Minute Manager series)

Coach employees to be more creative

While creativity is not 100pc malleable, it can still be nurtured through deliberate interventions, especially over a long period of time. If you’re trying to teach someone to be more creative, give lots of feedback. This is essential in helping people close the gap between their confidence and their competence. Those who don’t get enough feedback (or ignore it) only end up being creative in their own minds. You can also provide training in creative thinking. One of the most effective methods for unleashing creative potential is simply assigning people to tasks they love. If you can increase someone’s motivation, particularly intrinsic motivation, his creative performance will also likely increase.

(Adapted from You Can Teach Someone to Be More Creative, by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic)

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, June 8th, 2015

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